FINN Russell’s surprise omission from the Scotland squad for the Autumn Nations Series is because of form and inconsistency, according to Gregor Townsend, and nothing to do with disciplinary issues.
The Racing 92 stand-off and the national head coach have had their disagreements in the past. Russell walked out of the squad just before the start of the 2020 Six Nations, then earlier this year was omitted from the starting line-up to face Ireland after he was one of six players to leave the team hotel on an unauthorised night out.
However, announcing his squad of 40 yesterday, Townsend pointed out that he had worked well with Russell in a variety of settings in the past, and insisted that the 30-year-old had a chance to reclaim his place for next year’s Six Nations provided he responded in the right way.
“This is a rugby decision,” said Townsend, who has named Edinburgh forward Jamie Ritchie as captain for the four-match series. “If you reference our interesting relationship, we’ve been together at club level, international level and the British & Irish Lions.
“We’ve had good moments over the last 18 months and we’re currently sitting sixth in the world. We’re not satisfied with what we did in the last 12 months.
“I can’t control what people think and nor would I want to. People can come to their own opinions on this. I can just tell you what the reason was for the selection and the reason I spoke to Finn about – his form and consistency.
“This is the first time he’s not been selected. There was a period in 2020 when he wasn’t in our group, for different reasons – and Adam Hastings played and that was very good for Adam.
“Finn is one of the best players that have come out of Scotland. But there are other very good players as well.”
Asked what Russell has to do to get back into the squad for the Six Nations, Townsend added: “Respond in a positive way. View it as a challenge that he’s got to overcome.
“That’s up to him. I was dropped as a player in my career and I’ve had to have conversations with a number of players throughout my coaching career. You hope you get a response and we will wait and see.
“He was disappointed. It is not good news for a player when he does not make the squad.”
As only home-based players are available for the opening Autumn Test against the Wallabies on Saturday week, Gloucester’s Hastings will not take part. Instead, Edinburgh’s Blair Kinghorn and Glasgow’s Ross Thompson are sure to be involved.
Hogg was captain in the Six Nations but like Russell did not go on the summer tour, when Grant Gilchrist was squad captain. Townsend believes that the time was right for the honour to pass to Ritchie, and feels that Hogg can rediscover his own best form without the extra burden of responsibility.
“Captaincy can be tough,” the coach added. “I feel that Stuart can be our best player, and has been on a number of occasions. I believe this will give him the opportunity to do this more often.
“We wanted to see Jamie in the leadership role – the opportunity would have come around in the summer, but Jamie wasn’t fit. Great that Edinburgh have appointed him as captain this year. So we feel the opportunity is right for Jamie.”
Three members of the squad have yet to be capped for Scotland – Glasgow trio Jack Dempsey, Stafford McDowall and Murphy Walker. Back-row forward Dempsey has played 14 times for Australia but can now switch as his last cap was more than three years ago and he has a Scottish grandfather.
At the other end of the experience range, Glasgow lock Richie Gray has a chance to add to his 67 caps.
Scotland squad for Autumn Nations Series
Forwards Ewan Ashman (Sale), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Dave Cherry (Edinburgh), Andy Christie (Saracens), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Scott Cummings (Glasgow), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Exeter), Richie Gray (Glasgow), Nick Haining (Edinburgh), WP Nel (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Sam Skinner (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland (Ulster), George Turner (Glasgow), Murphy Walker (Glasgow), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh).
Backs Mark Bennett (Edinburgh), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Chris Harris (Gloucester), Adam Hastings (Gloucester), Stuart Hogg (Exeter), George Horne (Glasgow), Damien Hoyland (Edinburgh), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow), Rufus McLean (Glasgow), Ali Price (Glasgow), Cameron Redpath (Bath), Ollie Smith (Glasgow), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow), Ross Thompson (Glasgow), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (London Irish).
